China to subsidize electric car purchases in five cities

Buyers of plug-in hybrid cars will receive up to 50,000 yuan in subsidies.

The cities chosen for the pilot program are Shanghai, Changchun, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Hefei.

China, one of the most aggressive promoters of electric vehicles, is trying to defuse criticism that big EV subsidies favor rich folks who can afford cars over poorer Chinese who help the nation’s severe air pollution problems by still getting around on bikes or public transit.

China is the world’s largest auto market.

Source: Xinhua, english.people.com.cn